IBEW Local 1228 (Boston) Broadcast Techs Vote To Strike Because Management Won't Move on Negotiations

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=63708

Viacom workers vote to authorize strike

By Jessica Fargen

Sunday, January 16, 2005

The union that includes the technicians who power television programming at two local stations voted to authorize a strike yesterday - a move that is a step shy of an actual walk-out.

Union technicians at Viacom stations WBZ-TV (Ch. 4) and WSBK-TV (Ch. 38) and station management have reached an impasse in contract negotiations. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1228, voted to authorize a strike, said Kenneth Flanagan, business manager.

Strike-authorization votes can be used as bargaining tools, but do not mean a strike is imminent.

Flanagan said about 55 members - about half the union - voted. Members, who include news and post-production editors and studio and audio technicians, were also interested in other job actions such as informational picketing and boycotts if nothing changes, he said.

The union wants across-the-board wage increases, while the company wants pay hikes based on merit. Union negotiators also want more personal days and a fifth week of vacation for employees who have been there 20 years or more.